How to Make a Book Bag

When you or the kids need a new book bag and you are looking for something a little unusual or different, it's time to rummage through the dresser drawers and find an old pair of jeans no one is wearing. Turn these jeans into a creative, attractive and functional book bag that will be the envy of everyone who sees you. In only a short time and with minimal materials, you will be the owner of a stylish new book bag to carry all of your books and papers.

Things You'll Need

• Old blue jeans
• Tape measure
• Fabric marker
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• 1 cotton belt
• 2.5 feet nylon webbing (1 inch wide)

Instructions

1. Zip and snap the jeans and turn them right side out.

2. Find the crotch point, measure down 1 inch, and draw lines from this point across to the side edges with the fabric pen. Cut carefully along the marked lines to remove the jeans legs.

3. Turn the top section of the jeans inside out, pin the cut edge closed and sew across the cut edge 1/2 inch from the edge. Remove the pins and turn the jeans bag right side out.

4. Place the cotton belt through the belt loops and fasten it.

5. 

   Place one end of the nylon webbing around the cotton belt at one side of the blue jeans bag and fold it back onto itself approximately 2 inches. Pin to hold. Repeat with the other end of the nylon webbing around the cotton belt at the other side of the blue jeans bag. Pin to hold.

6. 

   Stitch the nylon webbing ends to secure them around the belt to finish the bag straps. For the most secure stitching, sew the nylon webbing in a square shape and then make an "X" stitching in the center of the square.